WHEN DO YOU HARVEST BROCCOLI?

When to harvest broccoli?

Broccoli isn't everyone's favourite vegetable but there is no denying that it's packed with health promoting nutrients. And besides, if you are bored eating the standard green varieties consider trying the Purple Sprouting Broccoli or the even more exotic Romanesco natalino.

Harvesting broccoli

Broccoli

Cut when the flower shoots (spears) are well formed but before the individual flowers begin to open. Cut the central spear first. This is followed by a series of side shoots, which can be picked regularly over four to six weeks.

TIP. Avoid growing broccoli on the same piece of ground more often than one year in three, as this will help to avoid the buildup of soil pests and diseases.

TIP. Broccoli are a particular favourite of birds so use an appropriate and safe deterrent to stop them from picking off your seedlings. Broccoli are also susceptible to attack by the caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly. Try covering crops with a crop protection mesh. It keeps the butterflies out, so they can't lay their eggs on the plants.

For related articles click onto the following links:
HOW TO GROW BROCCOLI FROM SEED
WHEN DO YOU HARVEST BROCCOLI?